Warren Morgan: Sport is part of the fabric of our lives

Warren Morgan

I have to say I was delighted with the result last Saturday, really pleased...

I have to say I was delighted with the result last Saturday, really pleased.

I’m talking of course about the Albion’s 1-0 win over Hull, extending their lead at the top of the Championship table.

As a season ticket holder and lifelong fan I couldn’t be happier at the start the team has had to the season.

Before Saturday’s game I joined families of those killed at Shoreham, the emergency services who responded, and other local leaders in the Amex stadium boardroom, before the moving pitchside events marking the loss of Matt Grimstone, Jacob Schilt, and the other victims.

As well as the tributes, the way the club has responded to those events in the three weeks since the tragedy, in support of emergency services and to Worthing United, has made me, and I’m sure everyone else, even more proud of our club.

This weekend sees the Rugby World Cup in the city, with two games being held at the Community Stadium between Japan and South Africa, and Samoa versus the USA.

I’d like to welcome all those visiting the city to participate or watch, and I hope they enjoy their stay. It’s fantastic that we were chosen to host the two games, which are estimated to bring in over £3 million in to our local economy, putting Brighton and Hove in front of a global audience.

Earlier this week I was very pleased to help offer a lifeline, along with British Cycling, to the Preston Park Velodrome, Britain’s oldest competitive cycling track.

The £100,000 we have secured from “planning gain” money for public benefit (from a student housing developer) will be put towards the cost of new fencing that will make the track safe for competition once again.

There has been a fantastic campaign in support of the track and it’s clear it is much valued locally.

Whether it is big international competitions, top-level national leagues, or local competitions run by volunteers, sport is part of the fabric of our lives as well as making huge contributions to our city’s economic and public health.

Whatever you do, whoever you support, join me in cheering the efforts of our sports teams, organisers, and volunteers in Brighton and Hove.